Emergency preparedness means taking steps to be ready for emergencies before they happen. Some emergencies that may affect Columbia County are: winter storms, thunderstorms, power outages, flooding, disease outbreaks, and pandemic flu.

The Columbia County Department of Health urges community members to get themselves and their families ready for emergencies by having an emergency plan, making an emergency kit, and staying informed. Remember, Make a Plan, Make a Kit, and Be Informed.

- Water, 1 gal. of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation- Food, at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food- Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both- Flashlight and extra batteries- First Aid kit- Whistle to signal for help- Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation- Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities- Can opener for food

Clothing and Bedding:If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:- A jacket or coat- Long pants- A long sleeve shirt- Sturdy shoes- A hat and gloves- A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Below are some other items for your family to consider adding to its supply kit. Some of these items, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so please have an adult collect these supplies.- Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov- Important Family Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

- Rain gear- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils- Cash or traveler's checks, change- Paper towels- Fire Extinguisher- Tent- Compass- Matches in a waterproof container*- Signal flare*- Paper, pencil- Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies- Disinfectant*- Household chlorine bleach* - You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.- Medicine dropper